Royal Leerdam Astro

The difference between the two sizes is bigger in use than on paper. The 25 cl tumbler is the size for water, milk and fruit juice with a meal; it stands low and stable, does not topple over when someone reaches across and fits under any kitchen cupboard. The 35 cl long drink glass is taller and narrower. You need that shape as soon as ice goes into the glass, because ice cubes take up almost a third of the capacity. If you are laying a table for guests, count on one glass of each size per person. Want only one size? Choose the 35 cl.

Fill a water glass to about two centimeters below the rim so it remains easy to lift without spilling. With a long drink, do it the other way around: first fill the glass completely with ice, then add the strong part, followed by the mixer down the handle of a spoon or along the side of the glass. This keeps the carbonation intact and mixes the drink without stirring. Thirty-five centiliters is exactly the size in which a screwdriver or a tequila sunrise comes out with enough room for ice and a slice of citrus.

Astro is made of tempered soda-lime glass. Tempering makes the glass more resistant to knocks on the rim and to the temperature difference that arises when you hold a cold glass under warm water. They are dishwasher safe, provided you place them loosely in the basket. If the glasses turn dull over time, that is almost always limescale rather than wear; half an hour of soaking in water with vinegar helps.

If this model doesn’t suit what you’re looking for, there are close alternatives. The complete range from this brand is available at Royal Leerdam. If you’re only looking for a glass for meals, see the water glasses or the broader category tumbler glasses; for mixed drinks with lots of ice, the taller models are listed under highball glasses. If you’re mixing your own drinks, you’ll find shakers and measuring cups under bar tools and the recipes under cocktails.